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Catecholamine-induced ductus arteriosus constriction in children
1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Hokkaido, Japan.
The American Journal of Cardiology
|June 15, 1996
Insights
The smooth muscle in patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can constrict after infancy, potentially closing the PDA later in life. Catecholamines may trigger this late closure in some patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Neonatal Physiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common congenital heart defect.
- The ductus arteriosus typically closes shortly after birth.
- Persistence of the ductus arteriosus can lead to significant hemodynamic alterations.
Abstract:
Our data suggest that the vascular smooth muscle of the PDA remains capable of constriction beyond a patient's infancy, at least at the pulmonary end. In some cases of PDA, catecholamines may induce late closure.